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Fisker reborn as The New Fisker

March 6, 2014

Production of the Karma stopped after less than 2,000 examples had been delivered. Photo by Jay Ramey

The assets of Fisker might now belong to China's auto parts giant Wanxiang, but reports of the brand's demise have been greatly exaggerated. It was believed that Wanxiang would be taking on the technology and the debt, but they wouldn't get the Fisker brand name itself. After all, in the relatively short history of struggling western automotive brands that have been bought up by Chinese automakers, brand names haven't always been part of the deal. The company itself was founded by ex-Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker seven years ago. But it seems the Fisker name will live on.

The company is now called The New Fisker, and a new website is up, promising... quite a lot actually.

First off, The New Fisker plans to restart production of the Karma electric sedan, which has been in production in Valmet, Finland, until just a couple years ago. Second, the company wants to restart development of the smaller Atlantic sedan, which we saw at the 2012 New York auto show. Third, the Surf shooting brake and the Sunset convertible would see a return to development as well.

The company plans to restart Karma production "as soon as possible," though it is unclear whether it will take place in Delaware or what will be done with the remaining assets at the Delaware plant.

The Atlantic sedan was last seen at the 2012 New York Auto show. Photo by Fisker

Production of the Karma stopped in November 2012 after about 1,800 units had been sold. Priced at $102,000, the Karma is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that boasted a combined 52 mpg-e in all-electric mode, with 24 mpg in gasoline mode. The Karma used two 161-hp electric motors sourcing power from a 20.1 kWh lithium-ion battery manufactured by Fisker Automotive's subsidiary, A123 Systems, which Wanxiang also acquired. Problems with the battery packs in a small number of vehicles led to a recall, but not before the PR damage was done: a Karma unexpectedly shut down while being tested by Consumer Reports and needed to be towed away.

We'll keep an eye on The New Fisker, relaying you the news as it comes, but for now it seems the new company has no shortage of ambitious plans for the future. If only a fraction of them come true in the short term, it'll be an impressive rebirth for the troubled company.